Day 68: Let The Champagne Flow... For 2 Reasons!!

The countdown is official. It is not only my last 29 days of being 29 years old, but it is 32 days until I finish my 100 day challenge of not shopping. I still feel absurdly guilty about the coat my husband purchased for me during this time (only 9 days ago) but I think it means my experiment is truly working and I am feeling accountable for my purchasing actions. Now comes the other hard part of the challenge: flogging 100 items of my own wardrobe pieces. I’ve flung around a few ideas but after collaborating with friends a high tea it will be, with a mini auction and all money raised going to Red Cross.

I’ve been practising my banana bread and cupcake/muffin skills and I think I’m ready. I just need to work on the invites and the invite list… Does ‘Come celebrate Monique not only becoming old but mature in her consumer spending’ sound catchy and inviting? 


I’ll pep it up somehow.

My 'Dream' Book- helps me visualise and "see"what I want to spend money on
 in order of priority. At the moment a car and my credit card is on the first page,
then beautiful 'Lily Loves Pearl' organic & enviro friendly face scrub THEN
you can see my last page: handbags. I do love my pink pen donated from a friend!

PS: Melbourne Zara...

Meah. Not that impressed really. I probably saw two things I'd buy from the whole store. 


I was actually sad about this. 


Really, I found the beautifully renovated (ages ago I know, but still has wow factor for me being an ex-Melbournite) David Jones next door much more appealing and horribly tempting.

Day 62: I Dreamed A Dream Of Shoes/Cosmetics/Dresses/Accessories Gone Byyyyy...

We all know now about my moment of weakness: the coat I should not have accepted as a part of my challenge. Well, to help me move onward and upward I’ve decided to make myself a visual aided "wish book". That way, when temptation strikes out and about I know that I have my wish book (either with me or not far away) that I have agonised over to include achievable items that I have taken the time to think about why I want and need them in my life. I can budget for them this way too! I also genuinely need to plan for friends & family members birthdays/wedding gifts in advance for both ideas and budget needs so these can go in the book too. I’ve always been a visual person so I think this will help! AND I can get my desirable item images from either online or from in-store catalogues.

Is it bad that I am dreaming of buying the blank page notebook as my purchase tomorrow? 

The Coat That Broke The Clotheshorse's Back

I know. Don't I look cool? But truly it is SO warm!!!
Remember I DIDN'T buy it! And it was 50% off!
50% off!

Day 59: The Beginning Of The End?

The past two days have been eventful. Not so much the first of the two, but the last. Day 58 a friend very kindly offered for me to come along to his boot camp as all new comers are free and this wouldn't break with my challenge rules. Thanks again Peachy! And then, there was yesterday...

Day 59 I feel horrendous about. Cheating by non-restraint: my husband bought me a coat.

I could say that I needed it, it was freezing. But really, I would have been fine. I walked out onto Chapel St with my new coat, spinning head and enormous weight of guilt. My husband offered to return it because I clearly wasn't enjoying my new coat but the problem with it was that I loved it!...

Guilt made me think of a million more things that I needed... A handbag to replace my Stella-the-puppy-dog-eaten one; new runners because my current ones had lopsided wear; facial scrub (yes, I developed a very painful spot that my home made scrub just did not work magic on) blah blah blah.

And as if to mock me, I sweltered in my new coat for the rest of the day. I did wear it again all day today with a little dress + red tights that looked hot and received (that I counted) 5 compliments on it from strangers.

It was 50% off... Justification: I think not. The question now isn't whether I go on with my 100 days (I still really want to continue after this moment of weakness!) so tomorrow is another day.

Day 57: Surprised By What I've Gained... Not In A Good Way

I have gained so much over the past 57 days. I've learned how to make do with what I have, reviving the old and even making things to experience new! One thing I did not realise I would gain was weight. Funnily enough the sweet treats I've felt I truly deserved in exchange for not buying my heart's desires have began to show.

Suddenly the reality of not being able to fit into my jeans is doubly frightening if I cant invest in another pair!

Bah! Why couldn't I have had this realisation next week when I'm not in Melbourne with so much yummy winter food to eat and red to drink! Maybe I'll just have to sacrifice having the top button of my jeans undone for the week. I can handle that.

Day 56: Zara Opening... Yada Yada...

As if travelling to Melbourne today wasn’t going to be hard enough. 

Z-A-R-A … Need I spell it out? Zara opens today in Melbourne. Bugger.

No pics of the Melb Zara online yet... I'll endeavour to get some
as 'research'.

I have been able to avoid the store at all costs in Sydney, but Melbourne city centre is a different story. Like a moth to the flame… yada yada.

This is going to take all my strength. Wish me luck!

Lucky fuchsia isn't my colour...

Day 55: Hair Be Gone!

Yesterday was full of well-deserved luxuries. Having researched both the costing and products of all local surrounding hairdressers, I had settled on one and made the appointment. I saved $20 buckeroonies! And finally my dark roots and grey hairs are all nicely combined into one blonde-ish, streaky mess. Whilst using enviro friendly products! Whoop! 

Eyebrows were plucked (I am not going to share after how long) and even a doctor’s appointment was squeezed in after a morning of working and looking at models for a taunting few hours (luscious hair and eyebrows to boot on all of them! Check out models.com for some fab looks- don't worry you don't have to be a model to pull them off... Most of them anyway).

Day 54: The Short Of It

Today to cure the cold pains of yesterday I looked at jackets online. I found this doozy from Manning Cartel for the reduced price of $349.30 (from $499!) on mycatwalk.com which offers free of charge (for purchases over $250), next day delivery! Too sweet!... I like to think that the model is so warm in this jacket that she has to wear shorts... Maybe. 

Sadly I checked in on this lil fav (the self titled I die vest!) I found at the start of my challenge. Remember this? Well, all gone my friends. It's not even available to look at online for further fantasising. Tears on my pillow tonight...

Day 53: When Winter Bites We Aren't All Madewell For It

It is cold. 

And what happens when it is cold... Fashion metamorphosis.           The first signs of frostiness usually bring out all the lovely winter fashions that have either been stashed away since last year or bought in the hot month of February, when the fashion winter season begins. Either way it is fierce, and it is fashionable.

Why then, now in the deep freeze of the winter season do I find myself clawing through my whole wardrobe contemplating wearing absolutely EVERY item in it?! The way it would look is wrong but oooh the warmth would feel so right! Channelling thoughts of how Alexa Chung weathers the bitter british cold in style did not warm my extremities. Which is why I wore my ski jacket outside yesterday.

Alexa Chung launching her range for Madewell last Winter.

Yes Alexa, you are undoubtedly a queen of fashion,
but seriously... Shorty shorts for Winter?

I think the weather gods felt sorry for me; not being able to go and buy a nicer and more fashionable warm jacket so of course today was beautiful. Yes weather gods, I’ve learnt my lesson: ski jackets are only ok attire whilst skiing. Bah hum bug.

Day 52: Homemade Makeover - If It's Good Enough To Clean The Kettle, It's Good Enough To Clean My Face.

When I was in the midst of my pre-teenage years, the importance of skin quality (preferably minus acne) was at its peak. Having attended deportment classes where the teachings ranged from make-up application to looking after your hair, I learnt about skin care. 
I remember my sister teasing me one day as I laid down with my naturally made skin scrub that I'd been shown how to make. Ingredients included: oats, banana, yoghurt and honey. Having watched me mix these ingredients together and then smear it over my face, my sister had asked what the hell I was doing. "It's going to give me amazing skin" I quipped. "It looks like breakfast" she replied.

Two new friends who thought
their talents would never be combined

Well, on day 52 my favourite daily facial scrub ran out. A desperate decision was made: I  would revisit my homemade facial scrub skills. Having no bananas (because they are extortionate!) I went with a method my MIL (mother-in-law) had told me about. Initially when she shared this concoction I politely declined as I loved my daily scrub and there was no point introducing a (very strange) substitute. But my challenge requires no new cosmetics other than my critically defined items of foundation and mascara. MIL's ingredients are a simple face wash (TICK!) and bi-carbonate soda (eerrr... TICK!).

Looks dodgy doesn't it.

Bi-carb soda is usually reserved for cake making but is also an incredible enviro friendly cleaning agent. For shiny results try it on the inside and outside of your kettle today! Knowing this, I gave it a crack.

Results? Not bad. The mixture felt creamy on my skin and fresh after removing with a warm-water-wet face towel. Give it a go... if you are feeling desperate. 

Day 51: The Generosity Of Strangers

Friday night I went to a pre-racing dinner. It was loads of fun with lots of chatting and I met some lovely people. Being a racing night conversations soon flowed to what would be worn tomorrow, for the last races of the Winter Racing Season. But really on a table full of lovely ladies what did you expect?

We chatted about the new dress standards required for the day and my fears were realised when it was confirmed that the attire of the day was to include colours red, white and black. Herein lied the death of my floral frock, big pink flower fascinator, combined with brown fur shawl combo. And I own nothing other than a simple Summer frock that was red. Damn it.

Sorry no pics of me wearing them,
but I got oodles of compliments!

I shared this fear with Caitlin, my newfound friend sitting next to me. Having told Cait about my blog and my 100 day challenge she ever so kindly offered me a black and red fascinator to borrow for the day. I couldn’t believe it! How incredibly generous! AND to put icing on the cake when I arrived to her house the following day Caitlin had laid out some beautiful red and black gloves to boot! I looked fabulous and didn’t lose any of my digits to frostbite at the end of the day! Winner!

Day 50: A Monumental 50%-Through-My-Challenge Day!

The shopping gods both congratulated and teased me today. In my inbox popped up an email from one of my favourite retailers Country Road, where normally I would shop at least once every fortnight.

The email was titled:

Monique, 

your $30 Loyalty Anniversary Gift Voucher inside!

Perhaps it is just a pure loyalty reward but my (still grateful!!!) non-shopping subconscious noted it may be a way to get me back into a CR store. But WHO CARES! I got a voucher baby! Something tells me I’ll have to wait until my 100 day challenge is over to pair the voucher with cash; enabling me a purchase from the store... But still, every little bit helps. 

An Apology

Sorry Peop's! I have been a total lazy sloth when it has come to blogging this week! I promise that the reason behind my non-commital writing is not because I fell off the non-shopping band wagon. Just pure cold (argh this Winter is freezing!!), slothy laziness! But each day I took notes on my no shopping adventures and will document days 50-53 now. Thank you for your on-going support! Mon x

Day 49: Oh Goodie, It's A Goodie Bag!

Goodie goodie goodie goodie!!!!!! Just by attending a lovely event last night (which fantastically gave the prize of a JOB to a very talented young stylist at Garden City Westfield Shopping Centre - too cool right?) I got THE BEST goodie bag.


This will satisfy my shopping desires for at least for a week. Bloody brilliant!


It had everything from a cute cloth printed reusable bag to lady shaving cream, wrinkle-free Bio Oil, Mac lipgloss, mini Daisy by Marc Jacobs, eyeshadow, magazines, a cute necklace AND Baci's! My fav chocolate! Yay! I am one lucky girl. I shall don my new lip gloss today and I already gave the wrinkle oil a run. Feeling good. Well better, after sifting through the goodies and getting some aspirin into me after having one glass too many of yummy wine last night.

Brixy loves the goodies too.

Day 48: Is It Really Worth Me Archiving Wrapping Paper?

Sadly today was most uneventful and to be honest, it was very lazy on my part. I did not subject myself to any online sneaky peaks at stores on sale and I didn't enter any stores, period. I did however learn a helpful hint from thezoereport (Rachel Zoe's twitter) where Ms Zoe suggested recycling 'your old fashion magazines into gift wrapping paper... glamorous AND green!'. Too true Ms Zoe, too true. 

I also like to use old sewing patterns. But wretchedly being a hoarder, I do begrudge the idea. I am learning/trying very very hard to let go in my new-non-buying-skin. Hmmm... still debating whether to use or just keep the below images from my Harper's Bazaar September 2008...

To the friend whose birthday is up next... you never saw this!

Day 47: Bringing Out The Show-Mum In Me

Day 47 was cold and I think the desperation of wanting to be involved in the consumer world may be more than slightly getting to me... Much more than initially thought.

So my cat Brixton who is a British Blue breed cat (therefore should really be used to the cold; being british) is colder than he has ever been this winter. And when sharing this empathy for my cat with someone else today they suggested that perhaps I get Brixy some cat-clothes.

This produces a whole new evil for me. I don’t, therefore do NOT need an excuse to shop. It is hard enough not buying for myself without bringing cute cat outfits into the equation. I have tried dressing Brixy in the past, (admittedly in my own clothes) but sadly he was having none of it. But maybe if it was from his own wardrobe he might give it a crack?

Brixy going out shopping... with his purse!

Brrrr... cold Brixy. So wound up he can't move!

Random cat from the internet. Cute, but weird.

Hmmm... Maybe not. I'm not a show-mum and don't want my beautiful boy to suffer. After seeing too cute-weird-random cat above, I don't think dressing Brixton will fair well for him or for me and my mental state. I'll continue to selfishly focus on my own fashion necessities and not humiliate/emasculate my little british blue man. 

Day 46: Amen Target, Missoni Amen.

Um so hello, if you have fallen off the planet you may not have heard about Target’s latest steal… Missoni. And who is the hottest Missoni product, well only Margherita of course! Going onto Harper’s Bazaar today for my mag (free, yes free) fix online I saw these pics and just about fell off my stool. I am praying to god that:

1.     When the Missoni for Target arrives in Aus I am allowed to shop, therefore it must arrive post July.

2.     Please god, let there be towels and bed linen (Tar-get does make very good manchester I have to say).

3.     One of my feistier friends will come with me to act as a bit of muscle for us to barge onto the bargains (I am a stickler for apologising my way through an event of hysteria. I’m too polite for my own good sometimes).

Check out:
http://www.harpersbazaar.com.au/fashion/missoni-for-target-ad-campaign-preview.htm

Oh! Oh! See the bike in the background!
And hoolley-fra-hoolley's I'm loving Ms Missoni's iphone cover.
I am in lust.

Oh and PS: I had been contemplating adding a bike to my savings wishlist for the end of my challenge (again, saving which is good and sensible and biking which helps the environment: tick and tick!) but it is sooo ON if I can get a (rumoured) Missoni bike! Eeek!! OMG I can’t wait! 

Praise be to Tar-get!

Day 45: Investing In The Past

So yesterday was Oaks Day for Winter Racing and vintage was the G-O. The winner of fashions on the field wore a dress she had bought from vintageclothing.com.au and majority of the girls that made it into the top 10 for fashions had either purchased pieces that were certainly circa 1950's inspired or raided their grandmother’s wardrobes.

I’d be taking the latter option for sure. Although the dresses are incredibly stunning, this sample below would have sold for around or just under the $450 mark. Not cheap. And definitely not as cheap as asking your Nanna if she has some fab frock stashed somewhere that surely you could at least borrow for the day…

From vintageclothing.com.au... Sadly sold, but perhaps replicable?

Day 44: Refashion Your Wardrobe Much?

Last year one of my girlfriends shared some advice with me when I was in a similar frame of mind that I’m in now (re trying not to shop for fabulous new outfits that I didn’t so much need as desperately want). Said gal pal Jussie told me when she was trying to cut down on her spend-a-thon cravings, she would often hide some of her favourite pieces away and then make a note in her diary for the next month to ‘rediscover’ her clothes which now felt new again!...

1995 Blast from the Past
Wardrobe Revival!

Great in concept but I couldn’t make it work for me. The glitz and glamour of changing seasons often has this feel when “Oooh I forgot I had these fab boots while it’s been a million degrees!” kind of thing. But of course, as I am completely now committed to this cause of finding better ways to refashion myself whilst being a spendthrift I think ‘refashioning’ is back in fashion! Take exhibit A:

Fashioned my 16yo Summer-ish dress
with black jacket, tights and boots

I bought this dress (well, correction my Mum bought it. Thanks Mum!) when I was 14. Without wanting to make me feel old, I will tell you that this means my dress (snapped for the local street press I’ll have you know! Hence, fashion worthy) is 16 years OLD!!! I could have a child-teenager, but thankfully instead I have this gorgeous rose printed silk dress.

Chatting to another wonderful friend Eva today who is based in London, hence actually saving her pennies, I found further proof that distance makes the heart grow fonder when away from your old wardrobe. Eva has had some stashed oldie but goodie pieces at her folks place since moving to the UK years ago and is only now getting them sent over to revitalise her ‘drobe. Kick arse! I suggest as homework you all look into your wardrobes for a refresh and really look at what you have in there. You might be pleasantly surprised! 

Day 43: June Sales Eat My Heart Out. Literally.

June Sales.

Thanks, Armand Diradourian.
I am, don't you worry...

No one prepared me for this. I didn’t think of it,  but why why didn’t someone else? Isn’t it for occasions such as this that I surround myself with clever, forward thinking people?

It’s one thing for Rachel Zoe’s The Zoe Report to blast in my face that Barney New York’s Spring Sale is on (see pics). 

Sweet, sweet Marc by Marc Jacobs
How can your 'Lady Lil' only be $99 USD?

Even though her blurb of “Out with the old and in with new gorgeous looks from the designers you love, like Marc Jacobs, Lanvin and Giuseppe Zanotti...all within reach of your manicured fingertips and accompanied by price tags that are up to 40% off!” made me quietly cry into my morning cup of tea today, reality is; shopping there wasn’t going to happen. Even though you can shop online at barneys.com with gasp FREE shipping… But truly, it is another thing all together to not be able to escape the SALE propaganda in my email inbox; the evening news; tv ads; shop signs; billboards and even text blasts! It’s everywhere! And driving me slightly mental!!!!

Ooh Rodarte x Opening Ceremony
How could you make this beautiful
'Reverse Pleated Skirt' and then have
it go on sale for $199 USD?!

The only (and I mean the only) upside to looking on in agony at all the fabulous things on sale is… I’ve become quite fussy. AND I found myself making a savings plan and list of things that I actually will need when the next lot of sale season comes around. I think, um, I think I might be becoming errr… sensible. Weird.

Day 42: Elvis Parsley Lives!

I'd like to welcome Elvis to the building... 

Mr Elvis Parsley in tha house.

Get it?

After asking my husband to not wash my delicates such as my braziers today and him joking back with me saying that I'll have to make my own bra with essential oils, I went and bought Mr Parsley. I might not be able to make my own underwear but I can create my own herbs! In your face haters!


No, not haters actually but just general family members that think I've gone a little bit kooky. Hmmm, maybe this is testimony to that fact. Anyhoo I have a parsley plant. Good for the liver, the hip pocket and the environment (although I'm not keen that I had to buy it with a plastic wrapping). Time to get my green thumb on.


Lucky green is my colour.